Leon Bailey’s star is already on the rise. And it will burn even brighter after a cheeky finish Saturday against Hoffenheim.
The 20-year-old Jamaican, who is rumoured to count reigning Premier League champions Chelsea among his suitors, broke the scoreless deadlock for Leverkusen with a finish in the 43rd minute in the Bundesliga contest.
The attacker found himself in space in the center of the area after a low cross made its way into him. However, since he had to turn his back to goal to control it, Bailey didn’t have time to turn and square himself for a shot before defenders closed.
So instead, he slammed a back-heel toward the frame, catching Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann off-guard and finding the back of the net.
The goal brings Bailey’s total up to seven on the season in the Bundesliga and nine in all competitions.
Having joined the German side during last year’s transfer window from Genk, Bailey’s recent form, and flash, is likely to mean plenty of teams besides the Blues are after his services. And they'll have to pay a good amount to get them.
In the meantime, he’ll aim to keep Leverkusen moving up the Bundesliga table, as the club entered play with a chance to move into the top-four with a victory, and into a 2018-19 Champions League place.